Ancelotti's comments reflect a growing sentiment among athletes and coaches about the impact of social issues on sports, emphasizing the need for empathy and respect during times of crisis.
The decision to continue sporting events amidst disasters raises questions about the responsibilities of sports organizations and the emotional well-being of players and fans alike.
Future sporting events may see increased scrutiny regarding their scheduling in relation to national tragedies, with calls for more compassionate approaches from governing bodies.
Athletes and coaches may continue to leverage their platforms to address social issues, potentially leading to changes in how sports organizations respond to crises.
Carlo Ancelotti, the coach of Real Madrid, expressed profound sadness and reluctance to discuss football in light of the recent devastating floods in southern Spain that resulted in the deaths of at least 217 people. Speaking at a press conference ahead of the Champions League match against his former club AC Milan, Ancelotti emphasized that football should take a back seat during such tragic times. He stated, 'Football is a party. And you can party when you're well, when your family is well, when everyone is well. When people aren't well, you can't party.'
Ancelotti acknowledged the emotional toll of the tragedy, revealing that it was challenging for him to prepare for the match given the circumstances. He remarked, 'I hope you understand that I don't feel like talking about football. It's a special match for me, I would love to talk about it, but I will try to talk as little as possible.'
The Real Madrid coach criticized the decision to continue with matches despite the floods, stating, 'Nobody should have played this weekend, it would have been the right decision to make. But it's not us who decide.' He noted that the club had prepared for the match as professionals but felt that playing was not appropriate under the circumstances.
Ancelotti also briefly touched on the recent Ballon d'Or ceremony, stating that it was a 'forgotten issue' in light of the tragedy, and expressed his condolences to the victims and their families. He reiterated his sadness for the people affected, saying, 'What happened affects us, it is incredible and terrible.'
